Seniors struggle & more Indiana basketball takeaways in loss to Rutgers

#2. Jalen Hood-Schifino is so much more important to this team than people realize

Prior to tip-off, Jalen Hood-Schifino was ruled out due to back spasms and soreness, which was followed by a video of him trying to warm up as he gingerly ran around the floor. It was clear as day that Hood-Schfiino was emotional about not being able to suit up in this game, and while he was doing what he could to get out on the floor, it was best that he gets healthy as soon as possible.

The five-star freshman guard is a huge part of this team and the offense easily runs through this future superstar. Hood-Schifino’s absence was one of the clear problems for the Hoosiers’ offense, as Jackson-Davis and others had nobody to turn to when Xavier Johnson was playing out of control and couldn’t make a shot if he was shooting into the ocean.

Hood-Schifino has a chance to play in his first Big Ten game of the season on Wednesday night against Nebraska at home, and hopefully stay healthy for the upcoming matchups with No. 10 Arizona and No. 6 Kansas.